Field Day 2011

The 2011 Field Day at the Russell Ranch Sustainable Agriculture Facility took place on Thursday, June 9th, with the theme Biodiversity in Agriculture.

The field day gathered 122 people for presentations on biodiversity and sustainable agriculture. ASI Director Tom Tomich and Russell Ranch Director Kate Scow began the day with remarks on Russell Ranch and biodiversity in the region. A field tour included a hay bale ride and field presentations on ecosystem services from biodiversity, biodiversity and food safety, cover crops, irrigation management and soil biodiversity and amendments.

After lunch, the grower discussion panel, titled “Using and Conserving Biodiversity on the Farm or Ranch: Where and Why,” featured John Anderson (Hedgerow Farms), Craig McNamara (Sierra Orchards), Bruce Rominger (Rominger Brothers Farms), Valerie Calegari (Audubon California) and was moderated by Louise Jackson.

Below is a list of the field tour presentations, along with additional information.

Ecosystem services from biodiversity

Miles DaPrato (Audubon California)Farm edge habitat in the Landowner Stewardship ProgramTo find out more about this topic, download this handout (opens as PDF).

Louise Jackson (Professor, Land Air Water Resources)Biodiversity and soil health along waterwaysYou can read the handout from Dr. Jackson’s presentation here (opens as PDF).

Neal Williams (Asst. Professor, Entomology)Strategies to promote native pollinators and sustainable pollination in agricultureYou can read more about Dr. Williams’ research program here.

Rachel Long (Farm Advisor, Pest Management)Ecosystem services provided by hedgerows of flowering plants in agricultural crop productionFind out more about Rachel Long's research here.

Biodiversity and Food Safety

Eduardo Gutierrez (CE Specialist, Plant Sciences; Graduate Student, Plant Sciences)The impact of current food safety regulations on biodiversityFind out more about this subject by reading this handout (opens as PDF).